High blood pressure: Doctor explains benefits of hibiscus tea
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Fortunately, there are a number of things which can help lower your blood pressure. Blood pressure is defined as the force put on your blood vessels and organs as blood is pumped around your body by your heart. There are certain lifestyle factors which can help, as well as consumption of a certain drink.
Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers. Systolic pressure – the higher number – is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.
Diastolic pressure – the lower number – is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
“Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control,” says the NHS.
It’s important to note that everyone’s blood pressure will be slightly different.
Indeed, what’s considered low or high for you may be normal for someone else.
There will not always be an explanation for high blood pressure, though most people develop high blood pressure because of their diet, lifestyle or medical condition.
As many as five million adults in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure, so will not know that they are at risk, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, published in the National Library of Medicine, aciclovir nauseous on the effects of tea intake on blood pressure says drinking tea may help lower blood pressure.
The researchers suggest that long-term, that is for more than 12 weeks, “ingestion of tea could result in a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP”.
This was the case for black tea and green tea, though some studies suggest green tea may be more beneficial.
The BHF states many people with high blood pressure feel fine, “so it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly”.
The NHS says: “Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and help lower your blood pressure if it’s already high.”
It says you should reduce the amount of salt you eat and have a generally healthy diet, cut back on alcohol, lose weight if you’re overweight, cut down on caffeine, and if you are a smoker you should stop smoking.
Some people with high blood pressure may also need to take medicines.
If you are over the age of 40, the NHS says you should be getting it checked every five years.
Above all, you should watch your salt intake if you’re looking to lower your blood pressure. This is because the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure.
“Aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful,” advises the NHS.
“Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure,” notes the health body.
Some people with high blood pressure may also need to take one or more medicines to stop their blood pressure getting too high.
The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.
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